News

Wike Unveils Abua Central Market, Omelema Hall

Published

4 years ago

December 20, 2021

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike,last Friday, formally inaugurated the Abua Central Ultramodern General Market and the Omelema Town Hall projects built and equipped by the Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Daniel E. O. Daniel.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo, the governor expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Daniel-led administration in the area of project delivery.
Danagogo said, the governor has asked him”not only to come and commission the projects, but to also see how the local government is faring and how thechairman is performing, and come back to report to him.
“I want to commend your chairman for embarking on projects that really touch the lives of the people. I also want to extol the chairman, for stamping his feet, as one of the performing chairmen in Rivers State.
“What you have done today, you have declared to us that indeed, you are a son of the governor.
“The governor is only interested in chairmen who are performing. What I have seen here shows that, indeed, in this local government, the governor has a true son who is towing his steps of delivering quality projects”.
The SSG stated that “the only way to progress forward as a chairman after your tenure is performance”.
He hinted that the governor rose to limelight today because of his sterling performance while he was a local government chairman, adding that the LG chairmen under PDP ought to emulate the governor.
Speaking further, he disclosed that the governor hasreserved appointments and projects for the people of Abua/Odual Local Government Area before the expiration of his tenure.
According to him, “the governor has the intentions of developing every part of the state, what we have to do is to give him the enabling environment.
“Before he leaves office, the appointment you are looking for, you will get it, the projects you are looking for, you will get them.
“Whatever you want starts by appreciating the ones you already have, when you appreciate what you have, every other thing follows”, he added.
On his part, the member representing Abua/Odual Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Sokolo Kirifa, cleared the air on some unfounded speculations that Abua/Odual Local Government Area was not captured in the Rivers State 2022 Appropriation Bill.
The member took his time out to highlight key projects that would be executed in Abua/Odual LGA, as captured in the 2022 Rivers State Budget including the construction of Abua to Degema, Emoh, Iyak and Ighom, Elogh to Egbolom access road; construction of Agada 1, Agada 2, to Dighiriga, Emelesue to Serebia and Ogbokuma; Ayama, Omokwa and Otari Road; renovation and equipping of Aminigboko General Hospital; among others.
Sokolo urged the people to disregard conspiracy theories from naysayers, and continue to believe in the Rivers State governor to deliver quality projects to the people of Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Chairman of the PDP in Abua/Odual LGA, Hon. Oye Fubara Igenewari said that the chairman has turned the LGA into a construction site, and that the market project was located at the hub of the Abua/Odual economy, adding that it was strategic to the overall development of the LGA.
Providing the project description, the Supervisor for Works in the LGA, Hon. Zinami Fyneroad Iwariso said: the market was awarded first in 2011 by the previous administration but was abandoned.
He added that with the advent of Daniel-led administration, a need assessment was conducted, and it was ascertained that the market was key to the economy of the LGA; hence the urgency for its completion, adding that market was re-awarded in September, 2019.
Zinami said that the market was made up of 120 lock up shops in a storey building in three blocks and that it was at 40percent completion when the Daniel-led administration came on board and completed it for the benefit of the people of Abua/Odual.
Earlier, the Chairman of council, Hon. Daniel E. O. Daniel had stated that he was overwhelmed by the turn out of the people to witness the epoch-making event, and thanked everyone for turning out en masse to grace the occasion.
He pledged his unflinching commitment towards providing the needed development for the people he has so sworn an oath to serve.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion are the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Ibura Igoma Emmanuel; former EDFA NDDC and Leader of the party in the LGA, Hon. I. H. Ogiri;Leader of the Local Government 8th Assembly, Hon. Mercy Igenewari; and all councillors.
Others were former council chairman, Hon Raphael Muzan Ekpelu; Dr. Oyekwutor Ukwe; permanent secretaries, principal officers of the LGA, elders and chiefs of various communities.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor